Darlene Joan Sutherland, 88, passed away November 1, 2023, in the Independent Apartments at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.
Darlene was born February 24, 1935, in Chatfield to Myrtle and Elnor (Olson) Danielson. Darlene attended country school and transferred to Chatfield schools, graduating from Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield.
On November 29, 1953, she married Bruce Sutherland at the Pilot Mound Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in rural Chatfield. Darlene worked outside the home as an administrative secretary for the Chatfield school district.
Darlene was an avid seamstress when her children were young, making most of their school clothes. Darlene looked forward to her monthly shopping trips with each of her five children, which always included a lunch out. She enjoyed family get-togethers. Darlene also enjoyed socializing with friends at daily afternoon coffee. She had many wonderful friends in the Independent Apartments.
Survivors include her children Shari Hamann, Connie (Robert) Eickhoff, Lori (Vince) Meyer, Wendy (Chris) Siercks and Steve (Mona Himli) Sutherland. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Jennifer (Mark) Prochaska, Kristine Hamann, Andrew (Emily) Hamann, Brian (Kari) Eickhoff, Chad (Seda) Eickhoff, Jacob (Kori) Eickhoff, Aaron (Jaime) Meyer, Angie (Christopher) Schmid, Derek (Jackie) Siercks and Jana Siercks; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Marlys (Elvin) Paulson and Linda (Tom) Jensen, sister-in-law Linda Danielson and brother-in-law Richard Lykken.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Elnor and Myrtle (Olson) Danielson, her husband Bruce, brothers Deloyce, Vernon (Jackie) Danielson, Gerald (Barb) Danielson, Roger Danielson and Robert (Marge) Danielson; sisters Phyllis (David) Ellis, Marilyn Lykken and Gloria (Nevin) Vrieze; son-in-law Mark Hamann and great-granddaughter Morgan Hamann.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 9, at Chatfield Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Chatfield Cemetery.
Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Sutherland family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.